Chaplains offer comfort to mourners queuing to see the Queen

Chaplains from different faiths and denominations have been offering a comforting word to the thousands of people queuing to see the Queen lying in state.

The chaplains have been chatting with people waiting in line and offering prayer where requested.

The queue stretches nearly three miles along the Thames, from beyond London Bridge to Westminster Hall where the Queen will lie in state until 6:30am on Monday.

Some people waited several days to file past the Queen, spending a soggy Tuesday night camping out to ensure their spot.

The chaplains will accompany the crowd during day-light hours over the next few days.

They will be recognisable by their hi-vis vests with 'Faith Team' printed on them. 

The Church of England has been involved in organising the chaplaincy service in partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Priests from across the Diocese of London and Southwark volunteered for the service and were given an induction by the Spiritual Care Team at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.

Southwark Cathedral, which sits next to London Bridge, said it was "delighted" to be one of the chaplaincy hubs for the queue. 

The Salvation Army is also providing refreshments and first aid hubs along the route.

"We're doing our bit," the Church and charity said. 

News
Egyptian Christian killed in Libya after refusing to deny Jesus
Egyptian Christian killed in Libya after refusing to deny Jesus

He was killed despite the family paying a ransom.

Widow of Christian killed in Nigeria takes plea for persecuted Christians to Downing Street
Widow of Christian killed in Nigeria takes plea for persecuted Christians to Downing Street

A Nigerian widow who witnessed Boko Haram militants shoot her husband dead after he identified himself as a Christian is joining a delegation handing in a petition to Downing Street on Thursday.

PayPal updates policies on 'hate' and 'intolerance'
PayPal updates policies on 'hate' and 'intolerance'

A number of financial institutions have changed their policies in recent years.

Catholic Church expresses 'serious concern' about proposed conversion therapy ban
Catholic Church expresses 'serious concern' about proposed conversion therapy ban

Efforts to ban so-called 'conversion therapy' are underway across the United Kingdom.